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loose fill insulation
Loose Fill Insulation
What is loose-fill insulation? Loose-fill
insulation, also called "blown-in" insulation, is usually
made from cellulose, fiberglass, or rock wool. It is generally
used in new constructions and in older existing homes, typically
in hard-to-reach areas. If properly installed, loose-fill
insulation can offer more complete cavity coverage than
other forms of insulation, because the fibers can fill around
wires, piping, and other obstacles. Special equipment is
used to fill building cavities with the small fluffy particles
in which loose-fill insulation is broken down into.
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Cellulose Loose-Fill Insulation
- Made from recycled wood fiber, primarily newspaper,
(newsprint and boxes). The fibers of cellulose insulation
are much finer than fiberglass. Takes on liquid-like
properties that let it flow into cavities and around
obstructions. Unlike fiberglass and rock wool, cellulose
completely fills walls and seals every crack and seam.
Requires less energy to produce. It is inexpensive,
nontoxic, safe from fires, environmentally friendly,
effective, and highly energy efficient.
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Fiberglass Loose-Fill Insulation
- Made using sand and recycled glass cullet. The glass
cullet is usually melted in high-temperature gas furnaces.
This is the most commonly used insulation material.
Also, it outperforms most other materials in R-Values.
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Rock Wool (or Slag Wool) Loose-Fill
Insulation - Made from blast furnace slag that
is a byproduct of steel production. By-products are
sometimes recovered from landfills and other materials
that would otherwise be wasted.
Primary Applications
Loose-fill insulation is a wonderful way
to insulate hard to reach areas including enclosed cavities
such as walls or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Areas
with irregular shapes and obstructions, such as plumbing
stacks, can easily be insulated with loose-fill. Loose-fill
is one of the few insulating materials that can be installed
without disturbing existing fixtures. However, new constructions
tend to use other forms of insulation because special equipment
isn't needed for installment.
Insulation Capacity
Insulation is determined by its R-value.
R-value measures thermal resistance. It is important to
know that the thicker the insulation is, the higher the
R-value. However, R-value is also determined by material
and weight. Keep in mind, certain loose-fill insulations
installed will lose some of their installed R-value over
time because of settling.
Before you Install Insulation
Poor insulation and air leakage are the
top two reasons for energy waste. Even the newest of homes
can benefit from insulation. Areas that require major insulation
attention include attics, basement walls and ceilings, unheated
floor spaces, exterior walls and crawl spaces. Before you
decide to insulate these areas, certain elements must be
carefully examined.
Insulation will not be as effective until
you control all of your homes air leaks. Many of these leaks
exist within the attic. However, an air leak can exist in
any opening between your walls and floors. A professional
insulation contractor can assist you in locating some of
these hard to find air leaks. Ventilation is another important
factor to consider before insulating. Ventilation is essential
because it relates to moisture control and indoor air pollution.
Keep these aspects in mind before you begin to install.
In addition, vapor retarders and air retarders
are also recommended during insulation installments. A vapor
retarder is a membrane which is placed between the insulation
and the roof deck to retard water vapor in the building
from entering the insulation and condensing into liquid
water. When adding insulation to a ceiling structure check
to see it you currently have vapor retarders installed.
If not, consult an insulation manufacturer and your building
code official for recommendations on where to place a vapor
retarder.
Air retarders reduce energy loss by controlling
air flow and preventing heated or air-conditioned air from
escaping through the building shell. It also blocks drafts
of hot or cold outside air. These drafts are responsible
for reducing your home's comfort and heating or cooling
efficiency.
Loose Fill Insulation Cost
Generally, loose-fill insulation is cheaper
than batts or blankets. The cost also depends on the material
selected and the R-value. On average, loose-fill insulation
is about 1.2 cents (installed) per square foot for cellulose
and rock wool, and 1.3 cents (installed) per square foot
for fiberglass.
Loose Fill Insulation Safety
Insulation, particularly fiberglass, can
be harmful if is breathed in and may irritate skin. For
these reasons it is important to use rubber gloves, wear
loose long-sleeved shirts and seal gaps between shirts and
gloves. All skin must be covered! This especially includes
your face and eyes. Make sure to wear a particle mask and
something over your head. Also, if you are working in the
attic, be careful not to fall through dry wall. Placing
plywood planks across the floor will assist you in moving
around more smoothly.
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